Welcome to the Stratford Library Adult Department.
December Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS & CONCERTS Holiday Concert: THE BOB KOLB TRIO
Sunday, December 1 | 2pm | Lovell Room
The Bob Kolb Jazz Trio will weave their way through delightful jazz interpretations of well-known holiday songs. Other long-time members of the Trio include David Childs on piano and Steve Roane on bass.Talk/Concert: OPERA, LIVE! with JAMIE RATCLIFFE
Tuesday, December 3 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Jamie Ratcliffe, operatic mezzo-soprano will perform an educational recital concert featuring popular opera hits and fun historical facts.Holiday Concert: JOE NEUMANN
Sunday, December 8 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Joe Neumann, Connecticut recording artist, singer, songwriter, guitarist, has been performing throughout the Connecticut and New York areas and has also performed with Bill Haley’s Comets with his two sons, Joseph on trumpet and Patrick on saxophone. For the Library holiday concert Joe will be singing and playing guitar, with some accompaniment from trumpet and saxophone player. Enjoy traditional Christmas songs with some 50’s & 60’s hits.Holiday Concert: NEW ENGLAND GUITAR SOCIETY
Sunday, December 15 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Annual holiday concert series continues with the return of NEGS to the Library.
Free and open to the public!Reading: ELEGY FOR EBENEZER
Sunday, December 22 | 2pm | Lovell Room
“Elegy for Ebenezer” by Douglas Moser returns the tale to its Dickensian roots: a ghost story. An old, dying Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy man, has never found redemption. As death nears, his faithful, disgruntled servant Bee plans on taking what she’s earned over years of caring for this miser. As she’s looting his apartment, he asks her to tell her a story, and so she does. A tour de force for two actors, Ted van Griethuysen, and Sarah Nuland. Sad and uplifting, “Elegy for Ebenezer” finds the heart inside the pain, and the wonder in storytelling.
CAREER & TECH HELP:
CAREER COACH: Job Search Help
Monday, December 9 | 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm | Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career but feel lost in the world of job searching? Join our “Job Search” workshop and equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to land your dream job!
The same material will be presented in each 2-hour workshop, participants only need to attend one of the sessions.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm sessionBOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, December 2 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others! Meets the first Monday of the month.Books On Tap
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, December 3 | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us at the Whiskey Barrel located at 251 E. Main St, Stratford.
We will be discussing WHEN CRACK WAS KING by Donovan Ramsey
LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • A “vivid and frank” (NPR) account of the crack cocaine era and a community’s ultimate resilience, told through a cast of characters whose lives illuminate the dramatic rise and fall of the epidemic.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.“Don’t Know Much About” Adult book discussion
LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hession
Wednesday, December 11 | 11am | Lovell Room
We’ll discuss this charming and unique story of two friends struggling to protect their understanding of what’s meaningful in life. It is about the uncelebrated people of this world — the gentle, the meek, the humble. And as they struggle to persevere, the book asks a surprisingly enthralling question: Is it really them against the world, or are they on to something?
** Special start time in December!** Gather at 10:30am for visiting & coffee & cookies, and join the Adult Book Discussion from 11am-noon.
Copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk.
FYA Book Club
Wednesday, December 11 | 6:30pm | Board Room
Are you an adult that loves to read Teen books? then join us for our new bookclub FYA (Forever Young Book Club)! The first book we will be discussing is FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley. With four starred reviews, Boulley’s debut novel, is a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who goes undercover for the FBI to solve a murder and expose a lethal new drug, while navigating family, love, and cultural identity. Perfect for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange.
Copies are available at the check out desk, Libby and Hoopla.
Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, December 18 | noon | Lovell Room
THE READING LIST by Sara Nisha Adams
An unforgettable and heartwarming debut about how a chance encounter with a list of library books helps forge an unlikely friendship between two very different people —a lonely London widower and a troubled teenager.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.CREATE:
Coloring & Coffee
Monday, December 2 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Don’t let stress get you down! Try coloring for adults! Coloring has many benefits including helping you to focus and de-stress. Stop in and give it a try. The Library will supply coloring pages, colored pencils and markers, plus coffee and tea. You are welcome to bring your own supplies too.Knit Wits
Wednesday, December 4 & 18 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.Crocheting
Wednesday, December 18 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome). Learn the art of crocheting! This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance their skills.
Registration required
uCreate: Hour of Code – Creativity with AI
Tuesday, December 10 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
Coding is for everyone! Celebrate Computer Science Education Week with uCreate’s annual hour-long introduction to computer science featuring fun coding activities through Code.org and prizes.
Registration required
Adult Craft – Festive Folded Book Trees
Thursday, December 12 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Come and upcycle books into beautiful book art! We will be folding pages of the book to create trees and using napkins and mod podge to decorate. Just in time for the Holidays!
Registration requiredMOVIES:
Continue reading →
Monday Matinees:
Monday, December 9 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Monday Matinees: “INSIDE OUT 2”
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is disrupted by something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety and friends show up.
96 minutes; rated PGNovember Adult Programs
TALKS & WORKSHOPS:
Workshop: NAVIGATING SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
Wednesday, November 6 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Free workshop presented by AFEA – American Financial Education AllianceWorkshop: DRIVE ALIVE DRIVER RETAINING
Saturday, November 9 | 10am | Lovell Room
The Stratford Library, in conjunction with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will offer another session of the “AARP Driver Safety Program”, a classroom driver retraining program designed to help older persons improve their driving skills. Persons 50 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the library program and will receive a certificate of completion at the end of instruction. The course is limited to 20 participates only and there is a nominal fee of $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members charged by the AARP.
REQUIRED REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE HEREWorkshop: GUIDED CHAIR YOGA & MEDIATION
Thursday, November 7 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Thursday, November 21| 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance. Registration is required.
Register HERE for November 7
Register HERE for November 21S
unday Afternoon Talks: AUTHOR HAL JOHNSON
Sunday, November 17 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Milford author Hal Johnson will discuss his Impossible Histories—a collection of alternate history scenarios that covers both what really happened and what might have happened for various crucial junctures in history across two and a half millennia.Stratford Stories: THE HISTORY OF THE WASHINGTON BRIDGE
Tuesday, November 19 | 6:30pm | Lovell Room
The Washington Bridge in Stratford, Connecticut has a long history, including a ferry service, several bridges, and the name of the town of Washington. Join Stratford historian Dave Wright to learn more fascinating history of our hometown.
Opera & Author: STEFANO RUSSO
Sunday, November 24 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Join Italian Poet/Writer and Opera Singer Stefano Russo for an afternoon of art highlighted by the sound of opera. The Collaborative Pianist Jacob Wang will accompany Stefano on the piano, and Joe Naylor, a friend of Stefano, and a Lover of Literature will read and discuss selections from his new memoir, Prisoner.BOOK DISCUSSIONS:
Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, November 4 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others! Meets the first Monday of the month.
Little Gems Book Discussion
Wednesday, November 13 | 11am | Lovell Room
WHEN THE SEA TURNED TO SILVER by Grace Lin
This National Book Award Finalist is a fast-paced adventure that is extraordinarily written and beautifully illustrated, Pinmei’s gentle, loving grandmother always has the most thrilling tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller.
Copies available at the Checkout Desk and as a downloadable ebook on Hoopla
Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, November 20 | noon | Lovell Room
CITY OF THIEVES by David Benioff
A captivating novel about war, courage, survival — and a remarkable friendship that ripples across a lifetime. By turns insightful and funny, thrilling and terrifying, City of Thieves is a gripping, cinematic World War II adventure and an intimate coming-of-age story with an utterly contemporary feel for how boys become men.
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.PLAY & CREATE:
Coloring & Coffee
Monday, November 4 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Don’t let stress get you down! Try coloring for adults! Coloring has many benefits including helping you to focus and de-stress. Stop in and give it a try. The Library will supply coloring pages, colored pencils and markers, plus coffee and tea. You are welcome to bring your own supplies too.Crocheting
Wednesday, November 10 | 6pm | Children’s Program Room
Ages 9+ (adults and teens welcome). Learn the art of crocheting! This class is perfect for both beginners and others looking to advance theirskills.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIREDKnit Wits
Wednesday, November 13 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.
uCreate: VIDEO GAME NIGHT FOR ADULTS
Wednesday, November 20 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Game on! Enjoy an evening of gaming on the big screens featuring a mix of current and retro consoles, plus VR. Have a favorite console/game or a lucky controller? Bring them along! Pizza and refreshments will be served. For ages 18 & up only.
REGISTER HERE
MOVIES:
Continue reading →
Monday Matinees: TWISTERS
Monday, November 18 | 12pm | Lovell Room
As storm season intensifies, the paths of former storm chaser Kate Carter, lured back to the open plains after a devastating encounter years prior, and reckless social-media superstar Tyler Owens collide when terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed. The pair and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.
Rated PG-13, 122 minutes.October Adult Programs
FEATURED PROGRAMS
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH FILM FESTIVAL:
Selena
Friday, October 4 | 12pm | Lovell Room
Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos star in this celebration of Selena Quintanilla Perez, a girl from South Texas with global talent, incredible will and magnetic charm. Young. Beautiful. Enormously gifted. At 23, Selena shone as a fresh star in a vibrantly new musical field. But just as she was poised to be the next pop-music sensation, her life was tragically cut short.
Rated PG, 127 minutes
Coco
Friday October 11 | 12pm | Lovell Room
This animated feature fro Disney follows 12-year-old Miguel who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family and to reverse his family’s ban on music.
Rated PG, 105 minutesTALKS/WORKSHOPS/CONCERTS:
Sunday Afternoon Talks: HAMISH LUTRIS
Sunday, October 6 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Hamish Lutris will discuss his new novel, “Earth Ascendant: Awakening”, the first of four volumes of a fast-paced, character-driven fantasy/science-fiction series. Hamish Lutris is an Associate Professor of History, Political Science, and Geography for Connecticut’s Community Colleges and is a well-known speaker and educator throughout Connecticut and the region.
Talk is free and open to the public.Workshop: Guided Chair Yoga & Meditation
Thursday, October 10 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Thursday, October 24 | 12:30pm | Lovell Room
Instructor Laurie Trupp leads this unique one hour class that combines gentle chair yoga poses with relaxing guided meditation at the beginning and end of class. The yoga poses will be done seated, as well as standing with the chair used as a prop for balance. Registration is required.
Register HERE for October 10
Register HERE for October 24
Concert: Marc Berger
Sunday, October 13 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Marc’s life has been about pursuing twin passions: creating and recording his American roots songs and exploring remote areas of the desert and mountain West. He has performed at Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival and The Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. You don’t want to miss this unique and soulful performance.
Talk: RAILS TO INDUSTRY
Tuesday, October 15 | 7pm | Lovell Room
Author and local historian Sue DelBianco will discuss the railroad line that ran from Bridgeport to Pittsfield, Mass, which was called The Housatonic Railroad.
Registration is required.Talk: ELECTION COUNTDOW!
Saturday, October 19 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Join us at the Stratford Library for an inside look at administering the 2024 presidential election in Stratford. Registrars Of Voters Jim Simon and Louis DeCilio will discuss election safeguards and what procedures have changed for the 2024 presidential election.
Learn more @ VOTE 2024Meet the Psychic: PATTY GRIFFIN
Sunday, October 20 | 2pm | Lovell Room
Patty Griffin is a gifted Psychic medium, intuitive, clairvoyant, empath, Reiki Master, certified Angel Card Reader, and Angel Links Facilitator. She has had this gift her entire life, at first afraid and unsure of what to do with it. Now she’s embraced it to help you connect with your loved ones, in spirit. At the Library, Patty will discuss her gifts and do select readings of audience members.
Registration is required.CAREER & TECH HELP:
CAREER COACH: Excel Workshop
Thursday, October 3 | 10am to 12pm or 1 to 3pm | Bus parks on Main Street near the library front entrance.
Think Excel is tough? No longer! Come to our workshop and participate in a fun, two-hour, hands-on session!
The same material will be presented in each 2-hour workshop, participants only need to attend one of the sessions.
Register HERE for 10am-12pm session
Register HERE for 1-3pm session
Computer Training – INTERNET BASICS
Tuesday, October 15 or Thursday, October 24 | 2pm | Board Room
A beginner’s computer class to help you learn how to effectively and safely navigate the Internet to find relevant and reliable information.
Register HERE for October 15
Register HERE for October 24
BOOK DISCUSSIONS:Monday Morning Buzz
Monday, October 7 | 11am | Lovell Room
Stop in to hear what’s new, what’s hot, and what books are creating a buzz! Staff will lead an informal discussion of books, movies and more. Share what you’re reading and watching and hear from others! Meets the first Monday of the month.Books On Tap
Books, Brews, and Bantor
Tuesday, October 8 | 7pm to settle, 7:30pm to talk
Join us at the Whiskey Barrel located at 251 E. Main St, Stratford.
We will be discussing AFTERLIFE by Julie Alvarez, the internationally best-selling author of In the Time of the Butterflies and How the García Girls Lost Their Accent.
Afterlife is a compact, nimble, and sharply droll novel. Set in this political moment of tribalism and distrust, it asks: What do we owe those in crisis in our families, including – maybe especially – members of our human family? How do we live in a broken world without losing faith in one another or ourselves? And how do we stay true to those glorious souls we have lost?
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.
Don’t Know Much About Book Discussion
Wednesday, October 9 | 11am | Lovell Room
HOW NOT TO DROWN IN A GLASS OF WATER by Angie Cruz
From GMA BOOK CLUB PICK and WOMEN’S PRIZE FINALIST Angie Cruz, an electrifying novel about a woman who has lost everything but the chance to finally tell her story. Learn to know the vibrant and voluble Cara Romero through her own words, as she narrates the story of her life through her twelve sessions with a job counselor. With perseverance, humor and warmth, Cara navigates hardships, mistakes and heartache, all while caring for family, friends & neighbors.
Copies of the book are available at the Checkout Desk. An audio download is available through Hoopla.
Books Over Coffee
Wednesday, October 30 | noon | Lovell Room
EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE by Benjamin Stevenson
A darkly comedic murder mystery where every member of a dysfunctional family has blood on their hands. “A jaunty and clever mystery with unexpected twists. Absolutely not to be missed.” — Karin Slaughter
Copies available at the Check-Out Desk.CREATE:
DIY: Scented oil reed diffuser
Thursday, October 3 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Come and make your very own custom scent reed diffuser with essential oils. We will also create a label for it using the cricut sticker maker. All materials will be supplied. This craft is is adults only 18 and up.
Registration is required.Coloring & Coffee
Monday, October 7 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Don’t let stress get you down! Try coloring for adults! Coloring has many benefits including helping you to focus and de-stress. Stop in and give it a try. The Library will supply coloring pages, colored pencils and markers, plus coffee and tea. You are welcome to bring your own supplies too.Knit Wits
Wednesday, October 2, 16 & 30 | 6pm | Lovell Room
Join the library’s drop-in knitting program! Also crochet! Make new friends, get tips and share ideas while working on your own projects.
Held every other Wednesday evening 6:00-7:30pm.
DIY: Witch Hat – Adult Craft
Saturday, October 19 | 11am | Lovell Room
Get into the Halloween spirit by decorating you very own witch hat. Whether you use it for decoration in the home or to wear around town, its sure to be a fun afternoon!
Registration is required.
MOVIES:
Monday Matinees:
Monday, October 14 | 12pm | Lovell Room
LONGLEGS
Starring Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, and Blair Underwood. FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes an unexpected turn, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.
Rated R. 101 minutes.
Continue reading →
